News Release

Wednesday, September 19, 2001

Altercation Ensues After Violent Narcotic Suspect Attack Officers

"Altercation Ensues After Violent Narcotic Suspect Attack Officers"

North Hollywood: On Wednesday, September 19, 2001, at approximately 6:00 a.m., North Hollywood Area patrol officers R. Duran, 49 years of age, 20 years with the Department and M. Munson, 42 years of age, eight years with the Department were on routine patrol. The officers received a radio call to meet the Los Angeles Fire Department personnel at 12100 Burbank Boulevard, relative to a nude man sitting on a bus bench. The officers responded and conducted a narcotics investigation. The suspect, subsequently identified as Mark James, was transported to Sherman Oaks Medical Center Emergency Room, 4929 Van Nuys Boulevard, by the Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance for a narcotics intoxication screening.

James was placed in a treatment room and the officers requested a back up unit, due to his bizarre behavior. The suspect subsequently became increasingly agitated and bolted from the room. When the officers attempted to apprehend him, James attacked Officer Munson and attempted to remove her service weapon from the holster. Officer Duran, fearing for his life and the lives of Officer Munson, and recently arrived back-up officers, applied a carotid upper body control hold to James. The suspect was taken into custody without any further incident.

The suspect was arrested for 148(d) PC (Attempted Removal of Firearm from a Police Officer). Officer Drulias, who had responded to assist other officers, sustained a back injury as a result of the altercation with James. He was treated at a local hospital and released. The other officers did not receive any injuries.

Detectives from the Critical Incident Investigation Division are conducting the investigation.